Camino de Santiago
Set off on the Camino de Santiago for the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in the footsteps of countless faithful walking this path since the 9th century. There are many paths all over Europe headed to Santiago- we will be walking part of the “Camino Frances”, the most popular route, and enjoying a variety of scenery along the way. Good food, beautiful churches, and breathtaking landscape are sure to help make this an unforgettable experience for you!
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Cruz de Ferro, “Iron Cross”, between Foncebadón and Manjarín
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Astorga
- Hiking into Santiago and praying at the tomb of St. James
ITINERARY
Madrid to Sarria
Days 1-10: Arrive in Madrid I Transfer to Leon I Hike from Leon to Villar de Mazarife to Astorga to Foncebadon to Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebrerio to Triacastela to Sarria I Enjoy a regular rhythm of prayer, walking, and eating while soaking in the beautiful views of the countryside I Explore old towns, castles, and monasteries as you enter into the spirit of the Camino and make new friends along the way!
The Last 100km
Days 10-15: Hiking from Sarria to Portomarin, look forward to the the beautiful Romanesque church in the village of Barbadelo I On the way to Palas de Rei the next day, we will cross the river Miño (Galicia’s longest river) and enjoy several peaceful hamlets along the way I Hiking to Arzua, we will stop in the market town of Melide to try some local specialties I The next day’s hike to Amenal will be on a mix of country roads and forest paths
Santiago de Compostela
Days 15-17: Hiking into Santiago de Compostela, we will pass Lavacollo where pilgrims used wash themselves in the river in preparation for arriving at the tomb of St. James I Take in the magnificence of the facade of the Santiago Cathedral from the Praza do Obradoiro I Spend some time in prayer at the tomb of St. James and celebrate the completion of your journey!
*Itinerary is subject to change
LODGING
Our booking standards are double-occupancy rooms with an en-suite bathroom, and we always prioritize clean and comfortable lodgings close to the route. These often end up being hotels or country cottages. Sometimes, due to location factors, and despite our best efforts, we have to choose between a lodging that is far away from the trail or an “albergue“, the traditional pilgrims’ lodging that usually consists of multiple beds in one room. We will notify you beforehand of our final bookings.
EATING
We will eat at restaurants and our lodgings. Menus may be limited to fixed options or set menus. Breakfasts provided are in the local style (typically not as hearty as American style). We can accommodate most food allergies.
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS
Luggage transfers are included on this trip. You may bring a suitcase or a backpack in addition to the daypack you will be hiking with. We will provide a detailed packing list.
PRAYING
Prayer is at the heart of our pilgrimage. Mass, the liturgy of the hours, the rosary, and other prayer opportunities are available throughout the pilgrimage for you to join as you like.
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
$3,990
INCLUDES
• 16 nights lodging
• 13 breakfasts
• All dinners (with a drink)
• Ground transportation
• Luggage transfers
• Airport shuttles at the beginning and end of the pilgrimage
• Pilgrimage materials (reading packet, prayer booklet, maps, group gear)
• Masses and other spiritual activities
• All tips and service charges to drivers, restaurants, etc.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Flights
• 3 breakfasts
• All lunches
• Taxis if skipping a hike
• Fee if paying by credit card
• Anything else not listed
• Single-room supplement ($1,500)
DATES
July 25-august 10, 2025
Sign-up Deadline: February 1, 2024
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Day 3: Hiking
Level 3: 13 miles, Leon to Villar de Mazarife
Day 4: Hiking
Level 4: 19 miles, Villar de Mazarife to Astorga
Day 5: Hiking
Level 3: 12.5 miles, Astorga to Foncebadon
Day 6: Hiking
Level 4: 19.9 miles, Foncebadon to Ponferrada
Day 7: Hiking
Level 3: 14.9 miles, Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo
Day 8: Hiking
Level 3: 12.5 miles, Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebrerio
Day 9: Hiking
Level 4: 18.6 miles, O Cebrerio to Triacastela
Day 10: Hiking
Level 3: 11.8 miles, Triascastela to Sarria
Day 11: Hiking
Level 3: 13.8 miles, Sarria to Portomarin
Day 12: Hiking
Level 3: 15.3 miles, Portomarin to Palas de Rei
Day 13: Hiking
Level 4: 17.9 miles, Palas de Rei to Arzua
Day 14: Hiking
Level 3: 13.9 miles, Arzua to Amenal
Day 15: Hiking
Level 2: 9.9 miles, Amenal to Santiago
Click here to learn more about how we determine our activity levels. “Optional” means it is easy for you to skip the activity. Skipping or modifying other routes may be possible but not in as easy of a manner and should not be relied upon when signing up. Activities are weather-dependent. Distances may vary from the information given above
Details
Arrival
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Staff will be at the airport to greet you. Please arrive by 5pm. We recommend you schedule your travels as early as possible in case there are delays. Please wait to buy your plane tickets until you receive a confirmation from us.
Departure
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) This pilgrimage ends at 7am on departure day. We will provide private transportation to the airport all day until noon.
Eligibility
Must be comfortable with the activities and activity levels listed and have a sense of adventure.
the leaders
FR. CHRISTOHER IWANCIO, OFM Cap.– Priest and Pilgrim
ALP Leader– TBD
SIGNING UP
Step 1: Sign up
Fill out our short online form
Step 2: Registration
We will send you the registration packet to complete and send back to us
Step 3: Payment & Confirmation
Please wait to buy your plane ticket until you recieve a confirmation